São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and one of the largest in the world, with a population of about 18 million in its metropolitan region. It is the capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo, and also a beehive of activity that offers a jovial nightlife and an intense cultural experience. São Paulo is the richest city in the southern hemisphere, though the typical inequality between the classes typically observed in Brazil is blatant. Being home to millions of immigrants, it's one of the most diverse cities in the world.

People from the city of São Paulo are called paulistanos, while paulista designates anyone from the whole of São Paulo state, including the paulistanos. The city's motto is Non ducor, duco, which means "I am not led, I lead".

The most cosmopolitan city in Brazil could only have a Downtown area that is equally cosmopolitan. The world moves through the center of São Paulo; there are businesspeople rushing to get to the stock market or groups of people in search of the latest music. Tourists from the four corners of the world mix with locals of all backgrounds. Put on comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and discover secrets that many Paulistanos don't even know.

São Paulo is home to the University of São Paulo and Federal University of São Paulo, as well as many other private colleges such as the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo and Mackenzie Presbyterian University.

São Paulo is known for its varied and sophisticated cuisine, ranging from Chinese to French, from fast food chains to five star restaurants. Other venues such as thousands of bars, pubs, lounges and discos cater to a variety of music tastes.